What are flavonoids?
Flavonoids are a group of natural substances that give color to many plants and vegetables. They are also found in a variety of other sources such as tea, wine, and cocoa.
The word “flavonoid” comes from the Latin word “flavus”, which means yellow or golden. Flavonoids are a type of phytochemicals, which means they occur naturally in plants. These phytochemicals (also known as phytochemicals) are substances found in plants with antioxidant properties. They protect the plant from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, as well as predators.
The main benefits of flavonoids for our health
Flavonoids can be beneficial to human health because they can help fight disease and inflammation, reduce blood clots, and boost the immune system.
Flavonoids help regulate blood sugar levels, protect against heart disease and cancer, and prevent neurodegenerative diseases. They are also believed to play a role in slowing down the aging process. A healthy diet rich in flavonoids can help prevent disease and live a long and healthy life.
Flavones – a subgroup of flavonoids – are also said to have anti-inflammatory effects, which means they can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Foods rich in flavonoids
The main benefits of flavonoids for our health can already be achieved through a healthy diet of flavonoid-rich foods. The best sources of flavonoids are vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and tea. But they are also found in other foods such as chocolate or wine.
It’s best to include some of the following foods in your regular eating plans and habits to get a healthy amount of flavonoids with your daily diet.
List of flavonoid-rich foods
- Aronia berries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, black grapes
- Oranges, pomegranates, watermelon, apples, cherries
- Broccoli, cabbage, spinach, bok choy, zucchini
- green beans
- Tomatoes
- Fennel, turmeric
- Garlic, onions
- green tea
- Cocoa, dark chocolate
- Red wine
What is the difference between simple and complex flavonoids?
Flavonoids are plant-derived polyphenols that have been found to have many biological properties, including antioxidant and anti-cancer effects. They occur as simple flavonoids and complex flavonoids.
The difference between simple and complex flavonoids is that the latter are more stable, easier to absorb by the body and have a higher bioavailability.
Anti-aging properties of flavonoids
Flavonoids are plant compounds found in various foods, such as fruits and vegetables. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect against heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other age-related diseases.
They are also said to have anti-aging properties. For example, they promote the production of collagen – this helps to keep the skin healthy by keeping it firm and elastic. Thus, flavonoids not only keep you healthy, but also outwardly young and beautiful.
Before attempting to artificially increase your flavonoid levels – e.g. with supplements – please consult with a doctor. Because undesirable side effects are possible.
Anti-cancer properties of flavones
Flavones are a class of flavonoids that have been found to have anti-cancer properties. These compounds are found in many fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, green tea, red wine, apples, and onions.
The most important thing to know about the anti-cancer properties of flavones is that flavones interfere with the mechanisms that cancer cells use to grow and spread. This means that they can help prevent cancer from developing or spreading in the body.
Cancer therapy always consists of various measures. Nutrition, of course, plays a big role, but it cannot defeat cancer on its own. Before attempting to treat a cancer with flavonoids, please consult with a doctor!
Flavonoid Side Effects You Should Know
Flavonoids are a type of plant pigment that has been shown to have many health benefits. They are found in many types of foods that we eat on a daily basis, especially plant-based foods.
However, side effects can result from elevated flavonoid levels and vary from person to person. A list of side effects that can be caused by too many flavonoids:
- Headache
- Muscle aches and pains
- Fatigue – irritability
- Insomnia
Here, as always, the dose makes the poison! Through normal food intake with a varied and changing diet, it may be difficult to achieve too high a flavonoid level. This may be different if certain pre-existing conditions or medications lead to an accumulation of these substances.